Mycotoxin Concerns in the Florida Beef Cattle Industry
Applied Research
Brittany Justesen
Livestock and Forages Extension Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Kissimmee
Abstract
Beef cattle producers in Florida have expressed concerns of the potential presence of mycotoxins in warm-season perennial grasses and their effect on cattle health. Although fungi associated with cool-season grasses have been known to produce mycotoxins that can lead to economic losses in the cattle industry, little is known about the presence and severity of mycotoxins in warm-season perennial grasses. Specialists and Extension Agents collaborated in a multi-year study with the aim of evaluating mycotoxin occurrence and severity in warm-season perennial grasses. Forage samples of limpograss, bermudagrass, and bahiagrass were collected from 13 ranches across Florida from 2017-2019. Additional forage samples were taken in Osceola and Brevard Counties during 2021-2022 with focus on seasonal changes of fungal populations and mycotoxin levels. To date, over 500 samples have been collected for multi-mycotoxin testing and analysis of fungal community. Results showed that forage species affected the fungal community and mycotoxin profile of the samples. Our results confirmed the identification of Fusarium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus, and the presence of several lesser-known mycotoxins termed “emerging mycotoxins”. Co-occurrence of two or more mycotoxins was common. Of importance to cattle health, levels of zearalenone, along with derivatives, α-zearalenol β-zearalenol, and zearalenone-4-sulfate, were prevalent in higher concentrations in bermudagrass and limpograss. Fumonisin, beauvericin, enniatin, ergonovine, elymoclavine, lysergol, diphydrolosegol, agroclavine, alternariol, and alternariol methyl ether were also present in samples. During a sample collection in Osceola and Brevard Counties, the fungal stroma of Myriogenospora atramentosa was first documented in limpograss (c. Floralta). Although results confirm the presence of mycotoxins in Florida pastures, there are many contributing factors that can influence whether concentrations are of concern for animal health. Additional sampling and further research should determine tolerance levels for beef cattle exposed and pasture management strategies that mitigate mycotoxin in forage grasses. This study exemplifies how collaboration between Specialists and Extension Agents have a significant role in research and scientific discoveries.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Brittany Justesen, Joe Walter, Ann Blount , Valerie Mendez
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Justesen, B. Livestock and Forages Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County, Florida, 34744
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Walter, J. Agriculture Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County , Florida, 32926
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Blount , A. Professor, Forage Breeding and Genetics , UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center , Florida, 32351
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Mendez, V. Graduate Student , University of Florida Soil and Water Sciences Department , Florida, 32603